Offenbach saves energy

Germany is receiving less gas from Russia. Gas is important for heating. It is also important for electricity. Germany needs 16 percent of its gas to produce electricity.

The city of Offenbach wants to save energy this winter. For example, it will only heat the town hall, municipal buildings and schools to 19 degrees. Electricity will also be saved. In the evening, for example, the street lamps will be switched on later and provide less light.

Citizens can also save gas and electricity. Here are a few tips:

• Save hot water: Some water taps have a lever: if this is in the middle, hot water is also used. Cold water is sufficient for brushing your teeth and washing fruit and vegetables. To do this, turn the lever to the right, i.e. set it to "cold".
• Heat water for tea in the kettle. This is because kettles are more economical than electric stoves. But: Do not heat water for pasta in the kettle and then pour it into the pot. The water temperature drops again in the cold pot.
• Dishwashers generally use less hot water than washing dishes by hand.
• Unplug televisions, computers and cell phone chargers: Electrical appliances also consume electricity in stand-by mode. Stand-by mode means that the appliances are not completely switched off. There are also power strips with switches that you can turn off.
• Defrost the fridge and freezer once a year: So, unplug them and let the ice melt. Because if there is a lot of ice in the fridge or freezer, more electricity is consumed.
• Cooking: Always cook with a saucepan lid to save energy.
• Electric stove: Hotplates and ovens stay hot for a long time even after being switched off. Therefore, simply switch off the hob and oven before the food is fully cooked. Cooking will then continue anyway.
• Always load washing machines fully and only wash at 40 or 60 degrees.
• Use energy-saving light bulbs at home.

Heating accounts for the majority of household energy costs. This is important:

• Never turn the heating to the highest setting in a cold room. The room will not warm up any faster. Level 3 is sufficient. Level 3 achieves a room temperature of 20 degrees.
• Each level consumes more gas and heats the room by around four degrees more. This is often not necessary.
• At night, you should heat less or not at all. It is good if the temperature in the room is between 16 and 18 degrees at night.
• Bleed the heating once a year. Venting means letting the air out of the heating system.
• Ventilate properly: Turn off the heating and then open the windows fully and for a short time. This is called shock ventilation. Airing three times a day is enough. Shock ventilation is particularly important in the bathroom and when cooking in the kitchen.
• It is wrong to "tilt" the windows. In other words, not opening them fully, but just a little. That way, heat is lost and the rooms are not well ventilated.

How the city saves energy and many tips for saving energy can be found on the Internet: